Michael Stone is a 188cm guard from Kentucky that has played for the Bowling Green Hornets (CBA) playing 10 games averaging 6.5ppg, 3.2rpg, 1.1apg and most recently for the Suncoast Clippers (Australia-QBL, starting five) where he played 15 games averaging 17.7ppg, 6.4rpg, 3.7apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 51.1%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 80.0%. He also gained experience with Transylvania (NCAA3) and Roberts Wesleyan (NCAA2, He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Michael where are you at the moment and how was your summer?

I am currently in Lexington, Kentucky. My summer was great. I have been working out a lot and I feel like I have really improved. I played in a few high level tournaments here in the area with NBA, overseas, and college players and those went well. I have also been training young players and coaching at one of the high schools here in town and I enjoy that a lot.

You are one of countless professional players looking for that next opportunity to showcase your skills. You last played professionally in 2015 in Australia. How tough is it for you not getting the opportunity to play?

Obviously I wish I had been somewhere the last 2 seasons because I really enjoy the competition, but I have used this time to my benefit. I think I am different than the others in my position because I have proven myself with good numbers in a good league in Australia. My work ethic and drive separate me as well, and I truly believe that there aren’t many people out there that have the level of discipline and desire that I possess.

It has been 2 years now since you played with the Suncoast Clippers (Australia-QBL) putting up good stats in15 games averaging 17.7ppg, 6.4rpg, 3.7apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 51.1%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 80.0%. Do you ever think that maybe that was your last chance? Getting that second chance after that good showing might have opened up doors in your professional career that you had never seen before.

I thought my numbers were solid for my first overseas season, but I am always looking for ways to improve and I always have higher goals. I think in the time that I’ve been back I have improved quite a bit. I am in great shape, I have gotten stronger, I have improved multiple areas of my skill set, and I’ve continued to be a student of the game and learn, so I think mentally I have improved as well. I will absolutely be ready for my next opportunity, wherever that may be.

(more…)